Iloilo city: The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is collaborating with the Bacolod-based University of St. La Salle (USLS) for marine mammal conservation initiatives in Panay, Guimaras, and Negros.

According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership was sealed through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by BFAR-Western Visayas (Region 6) Director Remia Aparri, DA-Negros Island Region (NIR) Director Rene Parre±o, and USLS Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Romeo Teruel during the Fisheries Management Area (FMA) 11 Summit 2026 at Zuri Hotel in Iloilo City on Wednesday. The BFAR-funded project is aimed at science-based conservation and protection of marine mammals and their habitats within the FMA 11, the agency stated in a report on Thursday.

Teruel highlighted the collaboration as a demonstration of how government agencies and higher education institutions can work together to address environmental concerns through interdisciplinary and collaborative action. The three institutions are committed to supporting the management, conservation, and protection of marine mammals and their habitats. This includes initiatives like mammal stranding response and necropsy, capacity-building activities to strengthen local expertise in marine mammal conservation, and a survey of the Irrawaddy dolphin population in Guimaras and Iloilo Straits.

The Irrawaddy dolphin population estimate survey is a significant undertaking that will provide valuable scientific data necessary for policy formulation, fisheries management, and conservation planning, Teruel added. Mark de la Paz of the USLS Center for Research and Engagement announced on Thursday that the dolphin population estimate survey is scheduled to begin next month and is funded by BFAR-Region 6 and BFAR-NIR.

The FMA 11 encompasses Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloilo, Masbate, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental. The FMA 11 Summit 2026 concluded on Thursday with the unanimous adoption of the FMA 11 Summit Resolution 2026. This resolution represents a collective pledge to advance science-based, participatory, and socially equitable fisheries management; fast-track the FMA 11 Aquaculture Development Plan; strengthen inter-agency collaboration; and hold biennial FMA 11 Summits as a platform for progress and partnership.